Oklahoma House Passes Controversial "Constitutional Carry" Bill

Yesterday the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a controversial gun measure known as the “Constitutional Carry” bill.

As KFOR reports, if passed, the new law would allow anyone who owns a gun to carry it, even if they don't have a permit for it. The bill was successfully passed after much debate, on a 59-28 vote, with heavy support from Republicans. GOP Rep. Collin Walke cheered the bill’s success, saying, “We ought to be able to carry any gun whether we are licensed or not.”

Critics disagreed that the license requirement put an undue burden on gun owners, noting that Oklahoma requires voters to have an ID to vote. “Can you explain to me why I should have to go pay for a license or an identification card in order to carry out my even more fundamental right to vote, but I shouldn't have to carry a weapon?” asked Rep. Shane Stone.

A group known as “Moms Demand Action” gathered at the Oklahoma State Capitol this week to seek action on multiple gun measures.

As KFOR reports, the group was focused on three separate proposed measures: a bill concerning guns on campus, one about permit-less carry, and another bill that would expand protections under the self-defense law known as ‘stand your ground.’”

Younger people could carry guns even as local authorities gain new powers to take guns away in some situations. Police videos could become more available and people held in prison wrongfully could expect payments from the state.